Numerical technique for chloride ingress with cover concrete property and time effect

Abstract

Durability problems initiated from steel corrosion are unseen but critical issues, so that many researches are focused on chloride penetration evaluation. Even if RC (Reinforced Concrete) structures are exposed to normal environment, chloride ingress varies with concrete surface conditions and exposed period. This paper presents an analysis technique for chloride behavior evaluation considering time effect on diffusion and surface conditions assumed as double-layered system. For evaluation of deteriorated surface condition, field investigation was performed for concrete pavement exposed to deicing agent for 18 years. In order to consider enhanced surface concrete, chloride profiles in surface-impregnated concretes exposed to chloride attack for 2 years from previous research were investigated. Through reverse analysis, effectively deteriorated/enhanced depth of surface and the related reduced/enlarged diffusion coefficient in the depth are simulated. The proposed analysis technique was evaluated to handle the chloride behavior more accurately considering changes of chloride ingress within surface layer and decreased diffusion coefficient with time. For the concrete surface exposed to deicing agent, the deteriorated depth and enlarged diffusion coefficient are evaluated to be 12.5 similar to 15.0 mm and 200% increasing diffusion coefficient, respectively. The results in concrete containing enhanced cover show 10.0 similar to 12.5 mm of impregnated depth and 85% reduction of chloride diffusion in tidal and submerged conditions.